A NASA spacecraft has captured spectacular video of an enormous plasma "tornado" spinning off the sun.
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory probe, or SDO, watched the dark-hued twister churn and ultimately erupt over the course of one day, from April 29 to 30. Mission scientists used the spacecraft 's imagery to create an 18-second-long video of the dramatic solar tornado.
http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/main/item/656A small, but complex mass of plasma gyrated and spun about over the course of 40 hours above the surface of the Sun (Sept. 1-3, 2015). It was stretched and pulled back and forth by powerful magnetic forces but not ripped apart in this sequence. The temperature of the ionized iron particles observed in this extreme ultraviolet wavelength of light was about 2.8 million degrees C.
http://www.grindtv.com/random/tornado-that-is-5-million-degrees-rages-on-sun-for-40-hours/SDO project scientist William Pesnell told Huffington Post that the material in the solar tornado spun at speeds of about 10,000 mph.
A solar tornado is a phenomenon observed on the surface of the sun, where magnetic fields twist and spiral, creating a swirling motion similar to a tornado on Earth.
NASA's SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory) is a spacecraft equipped with advanced instruments and cameras that constantly monitor the sun's activity. It is able to capture images and data of solar phenomena, including solar tornadoes, in high resolution.
Solar tornadoes are caused by the interaction of plasma and magnetic fields on the sun's surface. As the magnetic fields twist and churn, they drag the plasma along with them, creating a swirling motion.
No, solar tornadoes do not pose a direct threat to Earth. They occur on the sun's surface and do not affect our planet. However, they can have an impact on space weather and can disrupt satellite communications.
Studying solar tornadoes can provide valuable insights into the complex magnetic activity of the sun. By understanding these phenomena, scientists can better predict and prepare for potential solar storms and their potential impact on Earth.